According to Bristol Live , a report has revealed every city in the UK could have a dodgy MOT tester.

But what does that mean for you, the car-owner, and what should you do if you come across a corrupt test?

According to information supplied by the government’s Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, 98 MOT testers across the UK’s 69 cities were banned over their procedures.

But a further 353 testing centres had been warned about their conduct, according to 2016 figures.

Although the figures have improved over the last two years, with more and more corrupt testers being struck off for up to five years - the statistics still reveal numerous cars on the road could be unsafe.

There are stricter rules for diesel car emissions with a diesel particulate filter (DPF), which captures and stores exhaust soot to reduce emissions from diesel cars.

There are also new tests in the updated MOT including under-inflated tyres, contaminated brake fluid, brake pads missing or defective warning lights, dashboard monitoring and fluid leaks posing an environmental risk.

The new changes came into effect on Sunday, May 20, this year.

A spokesman for Scrapcarcomparison.co.uk , which scraps and salvages thousands of write-offs each year, says the annual MOT is an important aspect of road safety.

“Anyone attempting to defraud the MOT isn’t just committing fraud, they’re also putting the public at risk by allowing what could be an unsafe car onto the road," they said.

“Although most garage owners and MOT testers follow the rules, there are still those who try to cheat the system.”

The comparison firm has also given advice on how not to deal with a mechanic when you need work done to your vehicle and want the smoothest experience possible.

We’ve all experienced that uncomfortable moment of taking a car to a mechanic, not knowing what the problem may be under the bonnet.

The stress of not knowing what the issue is or whether you are likely to be hit with a bill bigger than your mortgage or even whether you are visiting a reputable, decent mechanic – these are all worrying thoughts throughout the process.

What not to do at the garage

1. Take your car in at 4.59pm

Although sometimes this may be unavoidable, you have to remember a mechanic wants to go home at the end of a long day, just like you do.

If you have the opportunity, take your car in first thing in the morning to allow yourself more of a chance of getting things fixed. Taking it in at 4.59pm with a sob story also puts pressure on a mechanic getting home to his family.

2. Argue on price

Mechanics don’t have the best reputation, which is unfair. Yes, there are a few bad eggs out there and all of a sudden people think they’re getting scammed. If you know nothing about cars, don’t start getting thoughts they may be trying to scam you.

Arguing on price really riles up a mechanic since most of them are very trustworthy, honest people. If you really think you’re getting ripped off, just say “Thanks, but no thanks”.

3. Call 100 times a day

Calling them 100 times a day will only disturb a mechanic and waste their time. You won’t be the only person who needs their car worked on, so let them get on with the job in hand and your car will be ready, when it’s ready!

4. Touch their tools

Walking about and picking up a mechanic’s tools will get you some evil looks. Just don’t. Would you start playing with the blood pressure pump and stethoscope if you visited your doctor?

5. Stand next to a mechanic when he’s under the bonnet

Moving around the shop can create a headache for the workers trying to do their job. And this also poses a huge safety risk if you are milling around. Stick to the customer designated waiting area to save whacking your head and toes.

6. Tell a mechanic what’s wrong with your car thanks to Google

Telling a mechanic what is wrong with your car after reading it on the internet is one of the most frustrating things you can do to a technician. Explaining the problem is one thing but saying it’s this, that or the other after reading it on the internet is a bit like having a cold and the world wide web telling you you may have diarrhoea.

7. Tell a mechanic what to do

This one is in the same vein as above. So stop the diarrhoea. It’s one thing having some knowledge but it’s annoying being overbearing. You brought it to them, so let them do their job.

8. Work on your own car

Unless it’s something that you absolutely know how to do, don’t try to work on your own car. Maybe this doesn’t really frustrate mechanics, but it can definitely make the job more difficult and could cost you more money than you realise.

9. Tell your mechanic your normal garage do this, that or the other

Try to establish a good a relationship with your new mechanic. They don’t want stories of your old mechanic were good at this, that or the other. They’ve probably been doing their job for years and will know what they are doing.

10. Get irate if there is a delay

Delays in work and waiting for parts can happen. Providing they keep you in the loop, then understand. Yes, you may be frustrated, but they will be doing their best. So don’t get angry – as they could too!